Charlotte, NC

We’ve all been there. While our vision for the holiday season is one of intimate gatherings, delicious meals and bliss, the reality can be much the opposite. The volume of activities, shifting of schedules, decadent food and potential for conflict can put added strain on the entire family. Especially older adults, especially those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. If you’re an older adult, or if you care for someone who is, you can make the holidays more manageable by taking just a short amount of time to plan ahead. By considering some of the factors you can control this season, you…

For so many family caregivers, the story is familiar. “I don’t know where to turn for help.” Or, “I’m exhausted. I don’t think I can do this on my own anymore.” Or, “There has to be a better way to care for my loved one.” These are the words of an untold number of family caregivers who are struggling to provide care and support for loved ones, while at the same time maintaining some balance in their own lives. The good news is there is somewhere to turn for help. You don’t have to do it alone. There’s a way…

“Going the extra mile for somebody, you can’t teach that. It has to be inside you already.” DeShawn Joiner, FirstLight Home Care 2016 Caregiver of the Year November is an important and treasured month for FirstLight Home Care. Each year, we observe National Home Care Month, as well as National Family Caregivers Awareness Month. While we’re always grateful for the important role we play – caring for our clients and supporting family caregivers – November is an opportunity for us to truly reflect on just what it means to be a caregiver. Caring Is Our Calling FirstLight was created with…

Chances are you’re already aware that non-medical home care is growing in popularity as a way to help older adults age in place – over the long term – while maintaining their quality of life. But you may not know that home care can also provide short-term assistance for adults ages 18 and older who need temporary companionship or support with the activities of daily living. One of the most frequently asked questions to our Just FirstLightAsk service is whether non-medical home care can be provided on a short-term, episodic or as-needed basis. And the answer is a resounding yes!…

How will you be celebrating Grandparents Day this year? It’s officially September 11 this year and it’s the perfect time to participate in some fun activities with the grandparents in your family. It’s also an opportunity to become involved with grandparents who may not be able to travel or see their own grandchildren and include them in your activities. Some communities will be hosting events and special activities for grandparents, and many care facilities will be doing the same for their residents. A good place to start is the National Grandparents Day website, where you can learn about the woman who…

When you think about travel tips for older Americans, navigating through airports and unfamiliar cities comes to mind. But there are so many things seniors can do to prepare for a trip before they leave that will help them stay safe and secure too. The U.S. Department of State developed a page on its website just for older travelers with lists and things to think about well before starting to pack a bag. Here are some of the highlights we think seniors, and those who care for them, will find helpful: With all the security procedures in place and the…

According to figures compiled by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) approximately 87 percent of individuals in the U.S. aged 65+ expect to be able to “age in place.” As the population ages, that means the numbers of seniors living alone — independently, or semi-independently, as long as possible will continue to grow. But with aging in place, there are risks that need to be weighed. Is the home safe? Does it provide the necessary environment? Can the senior navigate the home without impediments? What simple improvements can help? These are questions the professional caregivers at FirstLight Home Care can answer…

We’re in the dog days of summer, and while school starts soon in some locations, others plan to vacation in August due to lower rates at certain resorts and locales. In any case, traveling is a challenge whether you or your loved ones have physical, mental or other special needs. FirstLight Home Care offers needed solutions to your travel concerns. If someone you care for has special needs, mobility or other travel obstacles to overcome, FirstLight Home Care offers assistance with an option called the Travel Companion Services Program. A FirstLight Travel Companion can be engaged to help with almost…

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease and of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, an estimated 5.2 million of these are aged 65 and older. At FirstLight Home Care, we have developed dementia care plans to help people who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s cope with the anxiety, depression, confusion and isolation that is often associated with the disease. Our unique programs for dementia care services at…

In a little over a week, the United States will be celebrating National Friendship Day and this is a great time to think about the importance of friendship in the lives of our seniors. Having a group of friends to celebrate with and to share their experiences with on a regular basis can be extremely helpful for seniors. Having the support, care and devotion of friends can help seniors stay active and involved with those that care about them. As caregivers, we know the importance of regular contact with friends and loved ones and are proud to offer these tips…